Editorial April 3, 1915 Issue

Divine Science

Annie M. Knott

Those who take up the study of Christian Science soon become aware that in Mrs. Eddy's writings much emphasis is laid upon the influence of the Holy Ghost or divine Spirit, also named by Christ Jesus "the Comforter." On page 55 of Science and Health she says, "This Comforter I understand to be Divine Science." As this statement is apt to be startling to those who have only a creedal acquaintance with the manifestation of divinity known as the Holy Ghost, it may help to elucidate the subject if we ponder her further statements on page 127, where we read that "the terms Divine Science, Spiritual Science, Christ Science or Christian Science, or Science alone," are used interchangeably by the author. She then adds, "These synonymous terms stand for everything relating to God, the infinite, supreme, eternal Mind."

It is profoundly interesting to read in the gospels of the outpouring of this divine influence at the beginning of the Christian era. We read that Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, "was filled with the Holy Ghost," and foretold the coming of the Science of salvation through Christ Jesus. We are also told that Elisabeth his wife "was filled with the Holy Ghost," and the angel who announced to Mary the coming of the holy child Jesus, said, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee." We also read that Joseph and Simeon were illumined in the same way, and John the Baptist foretold the coming of the one who should baptize "with the Holy Ghost and with fire."

Later we have the words of Christ Jesus himself concerning this divine influence, namely, "He will guide you into all truth." Jesus had proved this for himself when he was led of the Spirit into the wilderness, and in his forty days' vigil demonstrated the powerlessness of mortal mind to hold man at the mercy of matter and material law. Luke tells us that immediately after this Jesus went out "in the power of the Spirit," and in the synagogue at Nazareth boldly announced his healing mission and illustrated it by doing the works of Truth. In John's gospel we find more numerous references to the Holy Ghost than in any of the other gospels, and the Master uses the terms "Spirit of truth" and "Comforter" interchangeably with the first named. He also says of this Spirit of truth, "Ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

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